Ski pole grasping device

ABSTRACT

A device that is attached to a ski or other host instrument and which comprises a rigid body with a slot cut into it. The slot size is such that a ski pole shaft fits into and slides through the slot but the ski pole basket that is attached to the ski pole shaft does not pass through the slot.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention, herein referred to as a “ski tow”, addresses several problems encountered by snow sport participants. The first problem relates primarily to young children or novice skiers in general, while the second problem relates to backcountry skiers.

[0003] (1) Novice Skiers

[0004] Consider first the issues related to novice skiers. Not being accustomed to the nature of skiing, novice skiers have trouble maneuvering their skis on even the gentlest terrain. For example, just to travel the tens of meters typically needed to get to the ski lift from the area where people put on their skis may present a major obstacle to novices. Not only do their skis tend slide inadvertently due to the slightest incline, but being unaccustomed to the sport they have trouble keeping their skis parallel and directing them according to their wishes.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Prior art addressing this issue falls into two categories: (a) child harnesses and (b) ski-tip connectors.

[0007] (a) Child harnesses are attached to a child's torso and have a connection at the back for attaching a leash to the harness. This allows an adult to ski behind the child and control the child's speed via the leash. Child harnesses are unwieldy and encumbering for both adult and child, and are time-consuming to put on and remove. In addition they do not allow the adult to orient the child's skis in any way. Finally, since the leash attaches at the back of the child, the harness does not work for pulling a child up an incline.

[0008] (b) Ski-tip connectors (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,603 to Reynaud, 1990 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,288 to Humbert, 1989) are designed only to aid novice skiers in keeping their skis in a particular orientation, such as in the wedge pattern used in the snowplow technique. These devices suffer from being difficult to put on and remove, and do not allow an experienced skier to control the speed of a novice or aid the novice in getting up an incline.

[0009] (2) Backcountry Skiers

[0010] Now consider the issues related to backcountry skiing. Backcountry skiers occasionally are forced to construct a make-shift toboggan out of their skis and have to devise a harness to pull the toboggan. This situation may arise due to an injury in the backcountry to a skier who then needs to be carried out via the make-shift toboggan, or due to the malfunction of a sled or other equipment. Current techniques for devising a harness for a make-shift toboggan involve tying a cord through holes that are drilled through the ski-tips. While this allows a person to pull the toboggan, the harness is not rigid so the person pulling the toboggan cannot prevent it from overtaking him or her. In other words, the harness works under tension but not compression. In addition, this solution requires holes in the tips of one's skis, which currently is not the case for the majority of commercial backcountry skis. Indeed, for many skis it is not advised to drill holes in the tips since water will penetrate the layers of the inner ski and, upon freezing, will cause delamination of the ski.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0011] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the ski tow are as follows:

[0012] a) It allows one to use ski poles to grasp skis. The advantage of this is that it allows a more experienced skier to grasp the skis of a novice skier in order to aid the novice in climbing up a hill, in orienting their skis, or in controlling their speed. All this is achieved without requiring any additional equipment other than a pair of ski tows, since ski poles are standard equipment for skiers. In addition, no structural modification is required of the skis.

[0013] b) It provides a structure that may be used to tie the tips of one's skis together using a cord, strap, or other available material. The advantage to this is to aid a skier in maintaining their skis in a desired orientation, such as in the wedge pattern used in the snowplow technique.

[0014] c) It provides a means of devising a rigid connection (one that works under tension or compression) using one's ski poles. This connection may be used to tow a make-shift toboggan made of skis or similar devices.

[0015] d) It provides a support to steady the aim of a rifle, telescope, or other instrument.

[0016] e) It provides a means for constructing a solid frame using skis and ski poles for use in, for example, making an emergency shelter.

[0017] Further objects and advantages of the ski tow will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0018] This application describes a device, called a “ski tow”, which may be attached to the tips of skis. It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for grasping a ski or other instrument using a ski pole, with the capability of easy engagement and disengagement of the ski pole with the device. The user is thus provided with the means of quickly and easily creating a temporary rigid connection (one that works under tension or compression) to skis or sleds or other similar instruments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of device. In this view a ski tow is clamped onto the tip of a ski 90, a ski pole 100 is engaged between the teeth 50 with the ski pole basket secured behind the tongue 40, and the locking screw 70 locks the ski pole in place.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a drawing of a preferred embodiment of device.

[0021]FIG. 2A shows the right side elevational view, 2B the top plan view, and 2C the side elevational view.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a sketch of alternate embodiments of device. In this embodiment, the ski tow is fixed onto a ski using screws. Different possible orientations and attachment points of the ski tow are shown.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a sketch of alternative embodiment of device.

[0024]FIG. 4A shows the right side elevational view, 4B the top plan view, and 4C the side elevational view. In this embodiment the body 35 is allowed to pivot on the base 37.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a sketch of a typical use of device.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a ski tow attached to a ski tip 90 and showing a sequence of steps to insert and remove a ski pole from the ski tow.

[0027]FIG. 6A shows the ski pole shaft 100 inserted between the teeth 50 of the ski tow, with the ski pole basket 110 not engaged behind the tongue 40.

[0028]FIG. 6B shows a ski pole shaft 100 inserted between the teeth 50 of the ski tow, with the ski pole basket 110 located in the basket gap 45. This is the normal operating position of the ski pole in the ski tow.

[0029]FIG. 6C shows indicates that to disengage a ski pole from a ski tow one simply lifts the ski pole shaft 100 out of the ski tow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the ski tow. It is clamped onto a ski tip 90, a ski pole 100 is engaged between the teeth 50 (in the slot 55) with the ski pole basket secured behind the tongue 40, and the locking screw 70 locks the ski pole in place.

[0031]FIG. 2 shows a more detailed drawing of a preferred embodiment of the ski tow. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show the side, top and front view, respectively, of the preferred embodiment. The ski tow may be constructed from a variety of materials, aluminum and plastic being two possibilities.

[0032] The ski-tip receptacle space 70 is shown in FIG. 2A and is defined as the space between the upper and lower clamping jaws 30 and 20, respectively. The clamping jaws are tightened together by tightening the clamp screws 15 18, shown in FIG. 2B. The clamp screws are size 6-32.

[0033] When aligned with the body 35 of the ski tow (FIG. 2A), the distance between the upper and lower clamp jaws 30 and 20 is approximately 0.25 inches. The inner edges of the clamp jaws 30 and 20 define arcs with approximately 9 inch radii, designed to follow the typical curvature of a commercial ski-tip. The upper clamp jaw is not connected to the body of the ski tow other than by the clamp screws 15-18. This allows the ski tow to clamp securely onto skis regardless of the thickness of the ski tip.

[0034] The clamp screws 15-18 are positioned to approximately follow the typical form of a ski-tip as seen from above (i.e. the perspective one would see when standing on the skis). Even if the clamp screws 15-18 do not exactly follow the shape of the ski-tip as seen from above, the clamping mechanism is sufficiently strong to adequately secure the device to the ski-tip.

[0035] Looking at FIG. 2B, the separation between clamp screws 16 and 17 is approximately 1.8 inches, the separation between clamp screws 15 and 18 is approximately 2.4 inches, and the separation between the line segment defined by clamp screws 15, 18, and 16, 17 is approximately 1 inch. The clamp screws 15-18 are threaded into the lower clamp jaw 20, and have clear passage through the upper clamp jaw 30.

[0036] The tongue 40 protrudes approximately 1.3 inches above the upper clamp jaw 30 and is approximately 2.1 inches wide at the base, narrowing to 1.3 inches at the top. The space between the tongue 40 and the body 35 is called the basket gap 45.

[0037] The inner radius of the body 35 is approximately 1.5 inches, and the outer radius is approximately 2 inches.

[0038] The space between the teeth 50 (FIG. 2C) defines the slot 55, which is approximately 0.75 inches wide. The lock screw holes 60 and 65 (FIG. 2C) are aligned with each other and pierce both teeth. The threaded lock screw hole 65 is threaded to accept the locking screw 70, while the clear lock screw hole 60 has a diameter appropriate to allow the locking screw 70 free passage. The locking screw is size 4-40. When not in use the locking screw 70 may be stored in the locking screw retaining hole 75, which is threaded to accept the locking screw.

[0039]FIGS. 3 and 4, Additional Embodiments

[0040] Several possible additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 3, the ski tow is modified from the preferred embodiment to attach on the top of a ski. The ski tow is held by screws that are screwed into the ski. Other methods of attachment are possible, such as adhesives. The ski tow may be oriented forwards or backwards, as indicated in FIG. 3.

[0041] The instrument to which the ski tow is attached is called the host 80, which in FIG. 3 is a ski.

[0042] A further possible embodiment is shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, a pivot screw 38 attaches the body 35 to the base 37, allowing the body to pivot on the base. The base is attached to a host using screws, adhesives, or by other suitable means.

[0043] Operation

[0044]FIGS. 5 and 6FIG. 5 illustrates a typical use of the ski tow. In this embodiment an adult is using her ski poles to pull the skis of a child, thereby aiding the child to climb up an incline.

[0045] To attach the device to a ski-tip, the ski-tip is inserted into the ski-tip receptacle space 10 and the clamp screws 15-18 are tightened.

[0046]FIG. 6 shows how to grasp the ski with a ski pole 100 using the ski tow. Initially, one lowers the end of a ski pole 100 into the slot 55 of the ski tow, with the ski pole basket 110 positioned with respect to the tongue 40 as shown in FIG. 6A. Pulling along the axis of the ski pole forces the ski pole basket 110 over the tongue 40 and into the basket gap 45, as shown in FIG. 6B. With the ski pole in this position the tongue 40 serves to hold the ski pole basket 110 in place by resisting a compression force along the ski pole axis. Once the ski tow grasps the ski pole, the user may pull or push either along the axis of the teeth 50 (see FIG. 2B), or at an angle to this axis, provided the angle is not so great as to cause the basket to pop out from behind the tongue (approximately 45 degrees for most ski pole baskets). In other words, the user may pull the ski tow (and the host to which it is attached) through a curved as well as a straight trajectory, or may push the ski tow and the host sideways as well as directly backwards.

[0047] For a more secure connection, one may insert the locking screw 70 into the lock screw holes 60 and 65 locking the ski pole into the ski tow.

[0048] To remove the ski pole 100 from the ski tow, one removes the locking screw (if it is installed) and lifts the end of ski pole upward as indicated in FIG. 6C.

[0049] The ski tow works for all commercial ski poles except for racing ski poles that have aerodynamically shaped baskets. These baskets do not fit behind the tongue 40, so the device does not provide a rigid connection for these ski poles, but a connection that works only under tension. For all other commercial ski poles the ski tow provides a connection that works under tension or compression along the ski pole shaft or even modest torque perpendicular to the ski pole shaft. This is true regardless of the size and shape of the ski pole shaft, whether elliptical or circular in cross-section, whether straight, curved or bent. In addition, the ski tow works for any commercial basket size and shape (apart from the racing baskets), since ski pole baskets are made from flexible plastic which flex slightly when being pulled into position (i.e. going from FIG. 6B to 6C).

[0050] Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope of Invention

[0051] Accordingly, the reader will see that the ski tow enables one to use a ski pole to grasp a ski, sled or other instrument. This provides a rigid connection to said instrument. This connection is useful for many purposes including, but not limited to, aiding a novice skier to climb up an inline or to maneuver their skis, or creating a harness for towing a toboggan made from skis.

[0052] Alternative embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to the following:

[0053] a) Using adhesive, Velcro, electromagnetism, or air pressure to attach the device to the host.

[0054] b) Changing the size and/or shape of the teeth or body of the device.

[0055] c) Changing the size and/or shape and/or position or eliminating the tongue.

[0056] d) Changing the size, and/or position or eliminating the locking screw.

[0057] e) Changing the attachment position on the host.

[0058] In compliance with the statute, the invention described herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown is comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 

I claim:
 1. A ski tow, comprising: (a) a curved rigid body having a distal end and a proximal end; (b) an upward extending slot formed on said distal end of said body capable of receiving a ski pole, said slot being sufficiently narrow to prevent the forward movement of a basket attached to a ski pole therethrough; and, (c) means for temporarily attaching said proximal end of said body to a ski tip.
 2. The device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for temporarily attaching said proximal end of said body to a ski tip is a longitudinally aligned recessed surface formed on one side of said body capable of receiving the lower surface of a ski, a clamping member, and an adjustable tightening means for pressing said clamping member towards said recessed surface to temporarily hold said body onto a ski.
 3. The device, as recited in claim 2, wherein said tightening means are a pair of threaded connectors that extend between said clamping member and a portion of said body adjacent to said recessed surface on said body.
 4. The device, as recited in claim 1, further including means for preventing the rearward movement of a basket on a ski pole when a ski pole is inserted into said slot.
 5. The device, as recited in claim 4, wherein said means for preventing the rearward movement of a basket is an upward extending tongue.
 6. The device, as recited in claim 1, further including a means for locking a ski pole in said slot.
 7. The device, as recited in claim 6, wherein said means for locking a ski pole in said slot is a removal pin that extends across said slot.
 8. A ski tow, comprising: (a) a curved rigid body having a distal end and a proximal end; (b) an upward extending, longitudinally aligned slot formed on said distal end of said body capable of receiving a ski pole, said slot being sufficiently narrow to prevent movement of a basket attached to a ski pole therethrough; (c) means for temporarily attaching said proximal end of said body to the tip of a ski; and, (d) means for preventing the rearward movement of a basket on a ski pole when a ski pole is inserted into said slot.
 9. The device, as recited in claim 8, wherein said means for temporarily attaching said proximal end of said body to a ski tip is a longitudinally aligned recessed surface formed on one side of said body capable of receiving the lower surface of a ski, a clamping member, and an adjustable tightening means for pressing said clamping member towards said recessed surface to temporarily hold said body onto a ski.
 10. The device, as recited in claim 9, wherein said tightening means are a pair of threaded connectors that extend between said clamping member and a portion of said body adjacent to said recessed surface on said body.
 11. The device, as recited in claim 9, wherein said means for preventing the rearward movement of a basket is an upward extending tongue.
 12. The device, as recited in claim 9, further including a means for locking a ski pole in said slot.
 13. The device, as recited in claim 12, wherein said means for locking a ski pole in said slot is a removal pin that extends across said slot. 